native environment

The research, led by scientists from the University of British Columbia, employed sophisticated computer models using data from both islands near populated areas and islands in areas where penguins tend to reside, tracing the evolution of microplastic particles as they make their way through the penguin's native environment.

Studying the birth of blood cells within their native environment in human tissues, however, has proven challenging.

"At the beginning of our muscle research we have successfully visualized the structure of the essential muscle building blocks and how they interact using electron cryo-microscopy. However, these were static images of proteins taken out of the living cell. They only tell us little about how the highly variable, dynamic interplay of muscle components moves the muscle in its native environment," says Raunser.

While these populations - largely seen as pests - were first to be affected by the recent die-offs, there are some remaining healthy pockets which could become a broodstock, kept in captivity for eventual transfer back to their native environment.

"We think, but we haven't quantified it yet, that the noble false widow has a negative impact on native species by actually bullying them away from their native environment," said Dr Dugon.